Detox

Entering Detox

When a substance abuser comes to grips with the disease of addiction, and they are ready to receive help, they should enroll in a treatment facility. The first part of treatment is detoxification, or detox. Detox treatment is a proven, medically managed process that guides patients toward cleaning out their system of the harmful toxins in drugs and alcohol, to give them a fresh start, mentally and physically, for rehabilitation.

It’s recommended for people to detox in a monitored facility where patients are under the care of a doctor, away from the conditions, people and environments that make it easy for them to abuse substances. Generally, patients are analyzed for the type of substance or substances they have been using, and are given a customized treatment plan that will be a blueprint for their rehab for the duration of their treatment.

Types of Detox

There are two types of detox offered at treatment centers: social detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal. Addiction specialists may choose either depending on the type of substance(s) being used, the patient’s age, period of use, the mental state of the patient, and physical health of the patient.

Social detoxification is better suited to patients whose drug abuse would only cause moderate withdrawal symptoms. Typically, patients who became addicted to marijuana, infrequent opioid use, meth, and infrequent alcohol use. Social detox doesn’t normally require meds for withdrawals, however, patients are still under the supervision of medical staff, and their condition is carefully moderated. The social aspect means that patients aren’t isolated, but are encouraged to work together during their detox.

Withdrawal

There isn’t a set time for detox. It can be as short as a week, or much longer, depending on the substances that are being purged from the patient’s body. For patients who are addicted to alcohol and benzos, detox at a medially managed facility is vital. These patients can experience withdrawals that have the potential to be deadly. When abusers of alcohol or benzos withdrawal, they can go into seizures that lead to shock and ultimately death.

For patients who have abused other substances, withdrawals can vary from mild cravings, to a type of sickness where their body seemingly aches for more of the substance they are addicted to. The brain really does a number on addicts. It actually re-wires itself so the person will prioritize their addiction over other things in their life, and when they stop using, the brain sends signals to the body that are painful to coerce the person to keep using. It’s as if the person is held hostage by their addiction, and by their own brain, which makes it very difficult for addicts to stop using and to reach out for help.

If you or someone you know is ready for rehab for their drug or alcohol abuse and has questions about the detox process, give us a call! Our specialists are trained in the knowledge of detox care, as well as rehab, and we’re here those struggling with addiction find the help they need